State Of The Market April 2020

Your Huntersville Realtor For Life

Realtor Magazine Article

Birkdale Village; The Recession's Over But...

Don't Get Excited!

We have been doing research lately on the state of things currently and more importantly what the experts feel the future holds.

According to several sources, There are several barriers we need to overcome before things improve dramatically. However 2 of these are directly related to real estate, so we will discuss them here.

1.) Real Estate is still in a mess. Why? Even though home sales are up, the market is still being dragged down by distressed properties. Foreclosures will still happen at higher than historical levels. Appraisals are still be made in a climate of fear and banks will still be stalemates over short sales and loan modifications. Until we can get prices stabilized and begin the process of rebuilding household wealth, consumers will still be reluctant to spend. In the Huntersville NC area, I can't emphasize enough the need to now get an appraisal if you are thinking of selling. They(appraisals) are having such an impact in our Huntersville NC area market, that you can stave off potential future surprises and stress by doing so.



2.) Inflation is a real possibility. I don't begin to claim to be a financial expert and understand the intricacies of our economy. However, I do understand this. With all the liquidity in the system and with the majority of the fiscal stimulus coming on line in 2010 that there is a real possibility that we will see a jump in inflation next year. The FED need to neutralize the spending power it has created by pumping TART money into the economy.

How will inflation affect us. One way the FED deals with this is to increase interest rates. Potentially these increases could be significant.

However being a glass half full type of person, I believe that the FED can keep inflation at a minimum as we recover.

What does this mean to us. If you are thinking of buying. Don't wait for any reason. If you are waiting for the tax credit to be extended, I hope your wait is worth it. If interest rates start to increase in 2010,it could negate or devalue the tax credit. There is too much inventory and good deals now to wait this out.

Up until recently, I have been telling my Huntersville NC area seller clients to wait to sell. However, with what is potentially on the horizon, we should sit down an analyze every factor before deciding.

Selling Your Huntersville Area Home, Choose Your Staging Candles Wisely

Before you use a highly scented candle in staging your home to sell, you should first consider your knowledge of how a scent affects people you know.

Try a scented candle with the aroma of angel food cake. This particular scent has undertones of cherry to produce a great aroma in your kitchen. Since the scent of home baked goodies rarely bothers anyone, this is one type of heavily scented candle that you can use freely. Get a hint of Grandma’s kitchen with candles scented with hot baked apple pie. This is one of the scents that will surely take you back to the days of your childhood.

Scented candles in aromatherapy candles are perfect for the healing properties that they bring to the mind, body and spirit. Set the tone to relieve stress and to create the perfect atmosphere.

Just walking through the aisle of the store with a variety of highly scented candles will give you an idea of the various scents that these candles give off. If you have to pick up the candle to tell whether or not it is scented, then you should realize that it is not really heavily scented. The proper heavily scented candle will allow you to get the scent from even standing a distance away from it.

When choosing the scents to make a highly scented candle, you cannot go by the fill level on the bottle. This is because the different scents have different weights. For example, mulberry is very light, whereas a caramel essential oil is really heavy. When working with essential oils to make highly scented candles, you have to make sure the area is well ventilated. Some of the oils will irritate your skin if you happen to come in contact with the full strength oil.

Always keep in mind that not all scents are tolerable to everyone and some may have allergies. If it bothers someone you know, then don't use it because buyers may not be able to stay in the home. If you are not sure, ask the salesperson or a home decorator what they think.

Huntersville NC Area Real Estate | Choose Your Lender Wisely

I am working with a client that just has had an experience for the books. This whole situation has changed my thinking entirely.

First let me say that I will not mention anyone or any company by name, but I will mention that my client contacted one of the big banks by filling out an online application.

The fun just began. Client gets call from what we think is a salesperson in California. (Oh, and I thought we were in the Huntersville NC and Lake Norman areas) After a few conversations, this person working for the bank sends my client a 'pre-qualification letter' and tells them to go find a home!

So... we go find a home. I purposely put the close date 60 days out because in this lending environment, you just never know. Seller agrees to the contract but asks to move the close date. Big bank salesperson, says absolutely no problem. Contract gets signed on Friday.

Monday, big bank turns client down. Big bank tells client ' We are not a credit reporting agency' and refuses (no refuses with attitude) to even discuss why!

And OH BY THE WAY: She had to get a referral and release from her current landlord of 6 years. THANKS BIG BANK!

So. What is an agent to do. I called the person that can get things done if they can be done! I will provide her website below. She is on vacation, crap! However, being the person she is, she calls my client, has her do an application and to make this short, has her on a 60 day plan that will get her the loan.

I am against going online randomly to find a lending institution. There is no personal touch and certainly no real motivation to go the extra mile. It is not about personal relationships with the big banks. It, obviously from this experience, is about volume.

So, if you have a real estate agent and they recommend some lenders they work with, remember there is a reason they recommend them. It is about getting the job done and building and retaining relationships. We DO NOT get kick backs for making these recommendations. We do, however, help get families in homes!

If you want a home with a personal touch, contact your Huntersville NC Agent at 704 451 7051!

Want someone that actually takes the time to help? Visit one of my favorite lenders here! She can help you in Huntersville NC, Lake Norman and the entire viewing area!

Huntersville NC Ranked Number 2 By Forbes Magazine

From Huntersville Web Site:


Forbes Magazine recently announced America’s 25 Best Places to Move and the Town of Huntersville was 2nd on their list.

Forbes’ article highlighted the hot spots across the country for companies and their employees to re-locate.

“Relovilles,” as the article calls them are destinations for periodic relocation of major corporations to young, mid- and upscale suburbs near company headquarters and office parks in major cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh and Atlanta among others.

To locate America's best places to move, Forbes looked at "Relovilles" with populations of 25,000 and over. Forbes used data from 2000 to 2007 Census records to identify the hot spots for places where people were born out of state or abroad, who had moved to town from a considerable distance within one and five years, and who had moved for a job.



Forbes also noted that the top 25 Relovilles that emerged from the analysis generally have twice the incomes, twice the home values and home sizes, twice the college degrees, twice as many youth and half as many elderly among other factors. The relative strength of the Charlotte housing market during the economic downturn was also referenced as a factor that could have contributed to Huntersville’s high ranking.

Buzzwords such as “tree-lined neighborhoods” “charm” and “small-town feel” were associated with many of the 25 communities identified.

See Also:

Why Lake Norman Is Such A Great Destination

Birkdale and Birkdake Village Real Estate | Mid Year Statistics

Birkdale Statistics 1.1.2009 – 6.15.2009

Sold Homes = 15
Average Sales Price = $324,500
Average Days on the Market = 116
Average Sold Price to List Price = 97%
Active Homes = 44
Average List Price = $365,824
Average Days on the Market = 80

Birkdale Village Statistics 1.1.2009 – 6.15.2009

Sold Homes = 6
Average Sales Price = $256,216
Average Days on the Market = 143
Average Sold Price to List Price = 96%
Active Homes = 19
Average List Price = $290,484
Average Days on the Market = 116

Huntersville Statistics 1.1.2009 - 6.15.2009

Sold Homes = 233
Average Sales Price = $260,683
Average Days on the Market = 115
Active Homes = 665
Average List Price = $354,542
Average Days on the Market = 112

If you need any additional information, about Birkdale, Birkdale Village or Huntersville NC homes for sale, please don't hestate to contact your Huntersville Area Agent at 704 451 7051.

Birkdale and Birkdake Village Real Estate | The Importance of First Impressions

You know the old cliche 'You don't get a second chance to make a first impression'. This statement holds true more now than ever when it comes to selling your Birkdale, Birkdale Village and Huntersville NC home.

First impressions are everything and can make a difference between selling your home for top dollar versus staying on the market too long and getting less than you had anticipated.

Here are some tips.

Outside the home:

• Does the trim need painting?
• Are there toys that need to be put away?
• Is the mailbox in good shape?
• Is your doorbell in good working order?
• Is the front door in need of fresh paint of stain?
• Is the storm door clean?
• Are the potted plants dead or flourishing?
• Is the welcome mat clean?
• Does the porch or stoop need sweeping?
• Is there growth(foliage) overgrown and blocking the entrance?
  
  

Inside the home - First Impressions:

• Is the first thing a prospective buyers smells a litter box or presence of an animal?
• Is the presence of a smoke obvious? (you may need to have drapes, carpet and upholstery cleaned)
• In a word (clean, clean, clean ) from top to bottom.

Rooms

• Pre-pack if necessary. Buyers want to see your home not your furniture, trophy's and collectibles.
• Put away things that are not needed for everyday activities.
• Consider temporary storage like a POD if necessary.
• Buyers do not want to see wild bright colors. Neutral paint any rooms you have personalized.

These are just a few things that can help you make a great first impression.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

Your Birkdale and Birkdale Area Agent can offer assistance in these areas in many different ways. List your home with us and we will pay for a thorough cleaning. As a Real Living agent we have a corporate discount with PODS to help you with these costs. We will give you a FREE market analysis and opinion on making that first impression!

Huntersville Area Real Estate | Mistakes Seller's Make

What Are The Biggest Mistakes Huntersville Area Sellers Make?
Typically, these are Price, Condition, and Marketing ! The home must priced right, be it in good condition, and market it where buyers are looking.


Price
This is where the biggest mistakes are made by both sellers and Real Estate Agents. (Note: these are all issues that we have addressed in the past)

1. The price of the home can't be based on tax records.
2. The price of the home can't be based on what the seller owes.
3. The price of the home can't be based on tax what the seller needs to make.
4. The price of the home can't be based on what the neighbors say.
5. The price of the home can't be based on what the sellers co-worker (expert) tells them.
6. The price of the home can't be based on try to recoup the exact value of upgrades done to the home.

Condition
The first thing a seller should do is think back to when they were looking for homes. What turned them on and what turned them away. In this highly competitive market the home has to outshine the competition. The first thing is curb appeal. Keep the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed and weeds pulled. This means front yard and back yard!

In the interior, remove the clutter. Wash the dishes and clean the counter tops. Please do not paint rooms bright bright colors. If you have done this for your children, you should consider repainting a more nuetral color. On a more controversial note! Please DO NOT smoke inside your home. I have seen this turn off more buyers than anything else. I have had them walk in and walk right back out. Smoking is a choice, but in this day and age, more don't smoke than do!
Listen to your agent and the advice he gives!



Marketing
This is an area where things have really turned in the real estate industry. Choose and agent that is technology savvy and advanced. An agent that walks in with pretty pictures and brochures for the interior of the house is great, but how is he/she going to get them in the house? Ask them about web presence, blogging, social networking, Craigslist, linking sites and more. The statistical numbers of those that look online first keep getting higher and higher. How many of us have grandparents that now email!? The Internet is king and those of us that understand this have a better opportunity to get your HOME SOLD!

At Real Living we are commited to family, innovation and results. We strive to be innovative in our marketing which leads to prositive results.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

If you have any questions about Huntersville NC Area Real Estate, please feel to contact your Huntersville NC Real Living agent at 704 451 7051.

Huntersville and The Birkdale Village Area | At Your Service

Relax, we have it covered!

Roby Robertson and his team announce it's new 'At Your Service' program!

Buy a home with us and we will provide one of the following:

1. A one year home Warranty
2. Thorough Cleaning before move
3. Interior painting of up to 3 rooms.

List your home with us and will provide one of the following:

1. A one year home Warranty
2. Thorough Cleaning before listing
3. Interior painting of up to 3 rooms.
4. Pre-Inspection.

Be rest assured that you can relax and know that we are working for you to make your home buying and selling experience a good one!

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

Please contact your Birkdale Village and Huntersville Area Agent at 704 451 7051 for complete details.

Birkdale Village Huntersville Real Estate | June 2009 Homes For Sale

At last check on 6/3/2009, there are 66 homes listed for sale in the Birkdale and Birkdale Village in Huntersville areas. See the right side of this blog for access to all the listings!






Additionally 660 are listed in Huntersville NC. These range in price from a two bedroom home priced at 24K up to luxury homes in up to 2.5 million.



If you would like a list of homes that meet what you are looking for emailed to you, please feel free to contact, with no obligation, your Huntersville Area Agent at 704 451 7051



If you would like to search at your leisure with no hassle create notifications that will tell you when new homes come on the market or when active homes sell, please click the Home Buyer Scouting Report picture and search until your heart is content!

Attention!
Birkdale Grove is a new devopment in the Birkdale area named Birkdale Grove. This development has new custom homes in an enclave within the Birkdale golf course area.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

Birkdale Grove is a 24 lot true custom home community featuring green building practices, high quality construction and finishes, superb lots, outstanding location, and excellent cost-value! Many plans to choose from, or design-build. Don't miss the area's best value & location in true custom homes! Builder can build w/basements. Seven (7) homes are listed in the MLS for this community.

Huntersville NC Real Estate | New Guidelines for 8000 Tax Credit

Good News:
The Federal Housing Administration has issued formal guidelines allowing first-time homebuyers to apply a federal tax credit of up to $8,000 toward the purchase of a home with an FHA-backed mortgage.

Bad news:
For those hoping that the initiative would allow homebuyers to buy a home with nothing down, is that the tax credit can't be used to meet the FHA's 3.5 percent minimum down-payment requirement.

Essentially what this means is that when First Time Home Buyers need assistance with closing costs the government has given the green light to the financing of bridge loans of up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers who qualify for tax credits.

Did you know?, if you -nor your spouse- have had no ownership interest in a home for the past 3 years, then you qualify for the up to $8000 tax credit! There has been some confusion on this part. You may have owned a home before but NOT in the last 3 years. You still qualify!

Overall this is great news for first time home buyers. Please tell everyone you know. Coupled with the fantastic buyers market in the Huntersville NC area, this scenario may never happen again!

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

If you have any questions about the Birkdale Village, Birkdale, Huntersville NC and the surrounding area, please feel free to contact your Huntersville NC Area Agent at 704 451 7051!

Birkdale At Lake Norman and Birkdale Village Real Estate | More Listings Than Realtor.com

Real Living is now offering the complete home buying experience online. This is your no-hassle one stop shop for finding your dream home in the Birkdale at Lake Norman and Huntersville NC areas.

While this online experience does ask for contact information, the promise is that you will not be hassled!

Watch the video. It is short and very informative. Just Click The Image!

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

If you have any questions about Huntersville area Real Estate, please feel free to contact your Huntersville and Birkdale Area Agent at 704 451 7051.

See Also:

10 Reasons To Love The Lake Norman Area

Why Lake Norman is such a Great Destination

Huntersville NC, Birkdale and Birkdale Village Real Estate| Thinking of Selling Your Home

Real Living just became a part of the Home Buyers Marketing Program and it is the most powerful no-hassle solution we have seen.

If you are currently trying to sell your home or thinking of selling, this tool allows you to get instantly notified when a home goes on the market or better yet, notifies you when a home sells with the price it sold for.

You can set this notification up watching homes on your street, your subdivision and more...

All you have to do is click on the image above and then you can get started. This is another way that Real Living strives to help you get your Lake Norman home sold.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!




If we can help you with your Huntersville NC Real Estate needs, please contact your Huntersville NC Area Agent at 704 451 7051.

Huntersville NC, Birkdale and Birkdale Village | Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day from Real Living In Style!

Take time to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Huntersville North Carolina, Just A Great Place To Live

Huntersville NC is one of the largest towns in the Lake Norman area, however it's real estate market still offers small town charm. The surrounding land along with local travel and business by railroad promoted quick growth. Throughtout the surrounding Huntersville area, you can still feel like you are living in a small town but enjoy the amenities that plenty of shopping, luxury dining, and recreation has to offer.

An area of Huntersville still preserved is the Latta Plantation and Nature Preserve. It is the county's largest green space with hiking trails, picnic shelters, a nature center, an equestrian center, boating, fishing and the Carolina Raptor Center.

Birkdale Village has everything to offer that you would expect from a modern and growing city. Birkale village offers places to stop for a great glass of wine outside on a patio and listen to music. Birkdale Village also offers the finest shopping, dining, and relaxtion in the area. With the usual chain and boutique coffee shops you can grab a coffee, walk around and window shop, read a good book or enjoy an action packed movie at the local theatre. The open-air Birkdale Village offers a Barnes & Noble, Gap, Talbots, Banana Republic, Dick's Sporting Goods, plus an assortment of fine and casual restaurants.

Huntersville also has a new family fitness center and outdoor fun park where kids can slide through tubes, spray water cannons and climb sprinkler-filled jungle gyms set inside a pool.

Huntersville NC, is convenient to everything Charlotte NC has has to offer with it's dining, the arts and professional sports teams. Also, with great golf courses and minutes from the largest lake in NC (Lake Norman), Huntersville is a place you and your family will love.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

If we can assist you with any of your real estate needs, please contact your Huntersville area agent at 704 451 7051.

Huntersville Area Real Estate|Respect for Realtors

Huntersville NC Area Realtors - Good Ones...

I just completed my mandatory Continuing Education classes for the year and I can tell you that being a GOOD Realtor is not for the faint of heart.
Being a good Realtor requires L.O.A.D.S and much more:

L = Loyalty and Confidentiality
There are situations that arise that we need to know how you want us to handle. If we are the listing agent, how do you want us to handle multiple offer situations. We can advise but we can't make the decision for you. Your agent should be asking you questions, offering advice and keeping confidential that which should be. Be sure you are confident you agent has your 'back'!

O = Obedience
We are to obey your wishes and our fiduciary responsibility to you as long is follows license law.

A = Accounting
It is our job to make sure you understand how all the money is accounted for.

D = Disclosure
We have to disclose everything that is a material fact. This is also one reason why you should also choose a Realtor that is local to your market. Remember the agent and the seller are liable for non-disclosure of things that should be disclosed whether it is willful or negligent.

'The Whole Point of Disclosure is to put on notice so the may investigate if they want, but they cannot investigate matters of which they are not aware, particularly latent, rather than patent, issues.'

S = Skill, Care and Diligence
This is related to D and why your choice of agent should be local to the area. We should show skill, care and diligence in knowing facts that, if not disclosed, can be construed as misrepresentation or an omission.

DID YOU KNOW #1? Buyers agents are required to disclose all compensation to you. They are not to receive any hidden fees! Doing so is against the law and unethical!

I wonder sometimes why some do not respect the efforts of Realtors. We have strict requirements for keeping ourselves educated. We have liability issues that many are very unaware. Good Realors, of which I am one, work very hard for our clients and educate, communicate and negotiate!

Are talking to agents and getting ready to hire one? Are they asking lots of questions that ultimately will protect themselves and you? If not, keep looking!

DID YOU KNOW #2? Some buyers will call the listing agent directly because they believe they can get commissions cut. Two things to consider. First this may not be the case. How would you know? Will the listing agent tell you the listing commissions. If they are not representing you they don't have to. Second. If they represent the seller, will they disclose everything. Some things are not material facts and have to be disclosed. However a good buyers agent might know something that could inpact the decision even though it is not a fact that has to be disclosed.

Let me give you and example. Suppose a home is being sold in a neighborhood. The neighboring home is a rental and the police have been called multiple times for disturbances. Is the listing agent going to tell a buyer. A buyer agent using skill care and diligence sure would!

This is just some examples of why Realtors deserve respect and you, the buyer or seller, should find one that truly understands his/her responsibilities.

If you are looking for an agent in the Huntersville NC area and want one that understands L.O A.D S, please contact your Huntersville, Birkdale and Birkdale Village Area Agent at 704 451 7051.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

See Also:

What makes a good Realtor?
Your Huntersville Area Agents Marketing Plan

Birkdale and Birkdale Village Real Estate; My Marketing Plan

Since January 1st 2009, 18 homes have sold in Birkdale and Birkdale Village.

1. 5 Homes Sold in Birkdale Village
2. 13 Homes Sold in Birkdale
3. Percent of Selling Price to List Price is 97%

Thinking of Selling? The average days on the market for the past 6 months are 137 days in Birkdale and Birkdale Village!

My Marketing Plan

Install a For Sale sign, when allowed, which includes my contact information. This allows buyers to call the agent most familiar with your home.

Distribute "Just Listed" flyers to your surrounding area. This allows your neighbors to be aware that your home is for sale.

Expose your home to relocating companies through an extensive network of "top" realtors.

Open Communication Through Your Listing Period

Roby is closely involved with the listing so that no time is lost in getting your home into the MLS system and distributed to every realtor in the area.

Brochures are designed and delivered to your home either on CD or on paper. Copies are placed in brochure box outside home for drive by traffic. (Extra copies are left with you to fill brochure box) Virtual Tours via Circle Pix using a professional photographer!

Showing Instructions through a 3rd party service to accommodate your schedule

Keep you informed of all marketing and advertising efforts.

Manage the road to a smooth closing

Monitor closely all lender and escrow activities to ensure a successful closing.

Be sure that all inspections and repairs are completed.

Proactively followup concerning market changes and feedback from showing agents.

Represent you at all times and in all negotiations.

Accompany you to the closing.

Over 90% of buyers start searching and locate their home over the internet.

Buyers will see it FIRST on these websites.

Lake Norman Real Living

Squidoo

Birkdale At Lake Norman

Digg.com

Real Living

Real Living In Style

Zillow

Realtor.com

Aol.com

Carolinahome.com

Propsmart.com

Facebook

Msn.com

Hubpages.com

Twitter.com

Trulia.com

GoogleRealestate.com

Oodle.com

All Local Brokerages Websites (i.e. Alan Tate, RE/MAX ) and MANY More

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

Huntersville NC Real Estate;Real Living Committed to Innovative Marketing

At Real Living, we are committed to marketing your home with all the technologies that the internet has to offer.

In additional to traditonal marketing, Real Living In Style uses, blogs, linking websites like Digg.com and many social networks like Activerain.com and virutal tours and slide shows to give your home as much exposure as possible.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

Call Your Real Living Agent at 704 451 7051 to help you buy or sell your next home!

Huntersville Area Real Estate;Selling your home? Avoid these mistakes

In an effort to provide my Huntersville NC area clients with the best possible service and advice, I am constantly researching ways to convey the best convey the best message. Recently I found an article from the The Real Estate Rockstar that I think conveys the message in a very simplistic way.

Watch the video ! It shows a simple, easy to follow guide that can save you time (avoiding having your home linger on the market) and money (a few simple things can actually make you more money in the process of selling your home).

Homes in the Huntersville NC area will sell. You need attention to detail in this market and advice from a well informed agent.

Remember you can always see ALL the Huntersville NC Homes For Sale on the right side of this website!

If I can ever be of assistance, please contact your Huntersville Area Agent at 704 451 7051!

Birkdale Village Real Estate; Short Sale Opportunity

Huntersville Area Short Sale

THIS IS A SHORT SALE 'LIST PRICE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL ENCUMBRANCES, CLOSING COSTS, OR OTHER SELLER CHARGES, AND SALE OF PROPERTY MAY BE CONDITIONED UPON APPROVAL OF THIRD PARTIES.

This is 'One Of The Larger Homes In Birkdale Village. PREMIUM LOT(Back OF Community)

Almost 1/3 Acre Lot. Private Backyard With Playhouse. Hardwoods on Main Level. Open Floor Plan. Living Room,Dining Room, and Den. Kitchen with Corian Counter tops and some stainless steel Appliances.


See all The details of the Birkdale Village Home

Property Listing Courtesy of Alan Tate Company

If you would like to see this or othe great Huntersville Area Homes, please contact your Huntersville Area Agent at 704 451 7051.